In 1939 Germany invaded Poland and Russia comes as thousands of Polish soldiers are interned in Siberia. In 1941, Russia was invaded by Germany. Two polish-born brothers, Victor and Marek, want to reach the border of Afghanistan and escape from the Siberian concentration gulag. Once they do, they locate to the father of one of his fellow captives and give him some news about his son. The father, grateful, promises help and allows them to settle in Sukumov's home. Victor and Marez fall in love to Marusia and Ajmi, respectively. The two brothers decide to move to another city but Victor need to be hospitalized due to a contagious illness: typhus.